The inclusion of young players will strengthen the Black Stars

It almost looks as if the enthusiasm and euphoria experienced whenever the national football teams were in any tournament is dying down. Football lovers used to show their unalloyed support to the national teams because there were some levels of consistency in their performance, well-tailored telepathy, agility, and dexterity displayed in the Black Stars whenever they played against any tough team. At least, even if the team lost, Ghanaians would enjoy good football.

After Senegal 92, when the Black Stars had exhibited the highest level of professionalism, and a classic football, the team has consistently witnessed a multitude of problems. Right from coach selection, players selection, and the composition of a solid technical bench. Which, of course, keeps creating consistent failure in the team.

Undoubtedly, from where I sit as a football enthusiast, the independence of the Ghana Football Association(GFA) shouldn’t be considered a conduit or a source where the nonperformance of the national teams is built. Rather, it must exercise the greatest level of expertise where coach selection, technical bench, and players selection are based on meritocracy. Not those who are well-connected to the GFA.

After the selection of a coach, an aura of his independence must be felt and should be non-negotiable. Such a coach must be allowed to select a well seasoned, and competent players to bring back the love of the Stars. Aren't that, footballers who are not fit for purpose will always be selected for the national team?

My reason is backed by the fact that, when Otto Addo was selected for the first time, I saw a great coach. However, due to the alleged lackadaisical nature of the GFA in player selection, he had to quit for unexplained reason/s.

Just imagine the kind of shame Otto Addo's exit brought to Ghana through the abysmal performance of the Black Stars at the AFCON in the Ivory Coast.

But for the recent selection of Otto Addo to strengthen the Black Stars, it is without qualms that I have witnessed a new behavior in him. His boldness in dropping the captain of the Black Stars, Dede Ayew, and some key players is an unambiguous statement authored to show his uncompromising stance now when it comes to player selection.

Moreover, the inclusion of young players to the Black Stars, like the skillful, enterprising, and seasoned right centre-back (midfielder), Umar Mohammed, is a clear indication that coach Otto Addo really means business.

I have watched Umar played in a few local and international matches. He is excellent in the midfield. Fortunately, my judgment of him aligned with that of Otto Addo when I heard he was called to join the Black Stars. It really shows that coach Otto Addo has got an Eagle eye to scout excellent players to strengthen the team.

Umar made his senior debut with Medeama S.C. in the Ghana Premier League in 2022. In early 2023, he moved to Finland after signing with Veikkausliiga club Ilves. He debuted in the league on 15 April 2024, in a 2–1 home win over Inter Turku. On 30 September 2023, Umar and Ilves won the 2023 Finnish Cup, after defeating FC Honka 2–1 in the final. After the season, the club exercised their option to extend his deal for 2024.

The GFA must ensure that it is in their interest that Otto Addo succeeded. And this can only be done without interference.